Monkeys Fighting Robots / SUPER SOLDIERS Exclusive Excerpt: Is War Machine A “Good Soldier?”
Author Jason Inman explores the relationship between the American Armed Services and superhero comic books, and breaks down different comic book service members with the goal of deciding whether or not they are a “good soldier” by realistic, contemporary military standards.
Super Soldiers is out June 18th, and thanks to author Jason Inman, Monkeys Fighting Robots has an exclusive excerpt to share with you.
The book is an exploration of the correlations between the real-life American Armed Services and superhero comic books, and how the former influences the latter. Each chapter breaks down a different comic book service member – such as Captain America, Batwoman, and even Beetle Bailey – with the goal of deciding whether or not they are a “good soldier” by realistic, contemporary military standards. Inman also shares never-before-told stories about his time in the Army, deployed as a soldier in Iraq.
In addition to serving in the military, Inman has written the creator-owned comic book series Jupiter Jet, and has appeared on DC All-Access, Collider, Nerd Alert, and Screen Junkies. Super Soldiers is his first prose novel.
“Jason Inman provides a manual which utilizes and analyzes subtext to offer psychological profiles of our favorite superheroes viewed in the context of their fictional experiences as warriors and veterans in the US Armed Forces. He demonstrates vividly and entertainingly how the superhero pantheon is firmly rooted in the disciplines, lore, and traditions of American combatants throughout history. The creators of all these characters took a good look at real-life military heroes for their inspirations and now Mr. Inman makes this link clear.” ―Dan Aykroyd, actor/writer of Ghostbusters and The Blues Brothers
“Finally, someone takes a deep dive into two of our best American institutions. From Captain America to the rest of this elite unit, get ready to salute.” ―Brad Meltzer, bestselling author of The First Conspiracy
“Super Soldiers is a hell of a fun book. Jason Inman has written a love story to soldiers, to comic book heroes, and to his country. Witty, fast-paced, and nerdy (I mean learned) on his subject, Inman is a perfect guide for a deep dive into the interwoven historiographies and mythologies of American warriors and pop culture.” ―Anthony Swofford, former US Marine and author of Jarhead